18 Hacks to Help Keep Your House Warm This Winter

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Duct-Booster Fans

If you have forced-air heat, you can take advantage of several types of duct booster fans that are designed to increase the flow of warm (or cool) air through your ducts into a problem room. In-line duct booster fans fit inside standard-size metal ducts. You mount the blower near the outlet end of a duct and then install a pressure switch (some models have one built-in), which senses air pressure from the furnace and turns on the booster fan whenever the furnace or A/C blower turns on. Some in-line duct boosters simply plug into an available outlet, while other models are hard-wired. Cheaper units can be noisy, so it’s worth buying a quality model with a powerful motor and heavier gauge housing.

A ‘register’ booster fan is much easier to install. Depending on the model, it either sits on top of or replaces a floor or wall register grille, and plugs into an outlet. A built-in thermostat switches on when the furnace operates. Register duct boosters cost $40 to $70. Many different manufacturers make duct booster fans of both types. Remember to set your thermostat optimally for winter.

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Leave the Oven Door Open

When you’re done baking and turn the oven off, leave the oven door open. The heat will flow into the kitchen and help warm up the room. Of course, don’t ever do this if you have children, pets or elderly house guests, unless you can securely close off the kitchen.

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